US8957053B2 - Proliposomal testosterone formulations - Google Patents

Proliposomal testosterone formulations Download PDF

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US8957053B2
US8957053B2 US14/149,227 US201414149227A US8957053B2 US 8957053 B2 US8957053 B2 US 8957053B2 US 201414149227 A US201414149227 A US 201414149227A US 8957053 B2 US8957053 B2 US 8957053B2
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testosterone
plf
proliposomal
dispersion
dosage form
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US20140112986A1 (en
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Guru V. Betageri
Ramachandran Thirucote
Veeran Gowda KADAJJI
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Western University of Health Sciences
TesorRx Pharma LLC
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Western University of Health Sciences
TesorRx Pharma LLC
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Priority to US14/604,985 priority patent/US9445995B2/en
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Priority to US15/250,169 priority patent/US9623033B2/en
Priority to US15/268,917 priority patent/US9844557B2/en
Priority to US15/825,530 priority patent/US20180303850A1/en
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Definitions

  • proliposomal pharmaceutical formulations for the delivery of testosterone that increase testosterone's solubility and bioavailability.
  • Testosterone is a BCS class II drug. Unless otherwise indicated, the term “testosterone” means testosterone that is chemically identical to the testosterone produced by the human body, i.e, “native,” or “endogenous” testosterone. Testosterone may be isolated form natural sources or made by commercial synthetic processes.
  • proliposomal powder dispersions comprising (a) testosterone, (b) cholesterol, and (c) at least one phospholipid.
  • (a) and (b) are present in a weight ratio (a):(b) ranging from 1:0.05 to 1:0.30 and (a), (b) and (c) are present in a weight ratio of (a):((b)+(c)) ranging from 1:1 and 1:2.5.
  • (a) and (b) are present in a weight ratio (a):(b) ranging from about 1:about 0.05 to about 1:about 0.30 and (a), (b) and (c) are present in a weight ratio of (a):((b)+(c)) ranging from about 1:about 1 and about 1:about 2.5.
  • compositions comprising (a) a proliposomal powder dispersion described herein, and (b) at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
  • the oral dosage form is a tablet or capsule comprising (a) a proliposomal powder dispersion described herein and (b) at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
  • the tablet or capsule is coated with a delayed release coating (e.g., an enteric coating).
  • the tablet or capsule is coated with an enteric coating.
  • oral testosterone dosage forms having fasting pharmacokinetic profiles that are characterized by a mean plasma concentrations of testosterone that range from about 350 to about 950 ng/dL of testosterone at about five hours after ingestion of the dosage forms.
  • the foregoing mean plasma concentration may alternatively reported as ranging from about 4 to about 7 ng/dL/mg of testosterone at five hours after ingestion.
  • the fasting pharmacokinetic profile is characterized by a mean plasma concentration of testosterone that ranges from 350 to 950 ng/dL of testosterone at five hours after ingestion of the dosage form.
  • a proliposomal powder dispersion disclosed herein a pharmaceutical composition described herein, or a dosage form described herein to an individual in need thereof.
  • methods of treating an individual in need of testosterone therapy comprising the step of administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of a proliposomal powder dispersion disclosed herein, a pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein, or dosage form disclosed herein.
  • FIG. 1 exemplifies the in vitro testosterone dissolution profiles of encapsulated uncoated PLF-C2 that: (a) had not been stored; (b) stored for three months at room temperature; and (c) stored for three months at 30° C. See Comparative Example 2.
  • FIG. 2 exemplifies the in vitro release profiles of testosterone from uncoated capsules of PLF-C2 and PLF-C4 (which were prepared using different ratios of DPMG to the EtOH:water solvent solution) based on dissolution studies performed in PBS at pH 6.80. See Comparative Example 2.
  • FIG. 3 exemplifies the mean plasma testosterone concentrations over time following oral administration of a suspension of PLF-C1 and an unformulated control testosterone suspension to non-fasted rats. See Comparative Example 3.
  • FIG. 4 exemplifies the mean plasma testosterone concentrations over time following oral administrations of a suspension of PLF-C2 and a suspension of PLF-C3 to fasted rats. See Comparative Example 3.
  • FIG. 5 exemplifies the in vitro testosterone dissolution profiles of: (a) PLF-05; (b) PLF-05 with Avicel® PH101; (c) PLF-05 with Avicel® PH101 and Explotab® disintegrant; (d) hydrated PLF-C2; (e) PLF-C6; and (f) lyophilized PLF-05. See Comparative Example 4 and Table 3.
  • FIG. 6 exemplifies solubility of testosterone after 72 hours in: (a) HCl buffer pH 1.2; (b) Acetate buffer pH 4.5; (c) Phosphate buffer pH 6.8; and (d) Phosphate buffer 7.4. See Example 1.
  • FIG. 7 exemplifies testosterone (T) solubilities following the dissolution of the following encapsulated formulations in PBS pH 6.80 at 37° C.: F1 (60% T, 32% DSPC, and 8% Cholesterol); F2 (60% T, 36% DSPC, and 4% Cholesterol); F3 (60% T, 40% DSPC, and 0% Cholesterol); F4 (50% T, 40% DSPC, and 10% Cholesterol); F5 (50% T, 45% DSPC, and 5% Cholesterol); F6 (50% T, 50% DSPC, and 0% Cholesterol); F7 (40% T, 48% DSPC, and 12% Cholesterol); F8 (40% T, 54% DSPC, and 9% Cholesterol); and F9 (40% T, 60% DSPC, and 0% Cholesterol). See Example 1 and Table 4.
  • FIG. 8 exemplifies testosterone solubilities following the dissolution of: (a) unformulated testosterone in 0.5% SLS; (b) unformulated testosterone in 1% SLS; (c) unformulated testosterone in 2% SLS; (d) PLF-2 in 0.5% SLS; (e) PLF-2 in 1% SLS; and (f) PLF-2 in 2% SLS. See Example 3.
  • FIG. 9 exemplifies the in vitro testosterone dissolution profiles of encapsulated and enterically-coated PLF-1 that: (a) had not been stored; (b) stored for three months at room temperature; or (c) stored for three months at 30° C. See Example 4.
  • FIG. 10 exemplifies the mean plasma testosterone concentrations over time following the oral administration of: (a) 300 mg/kg (testosterone/rat weight) of unformulated testosterone; (b) PLF-2 comprising 300 mg/kg of testosterone; (c) PLF-2 comprising 150 mg/kg of testosterone; and (d) PLF-4 comprising 300 mg/kg of testosterone to male fasted rats. See Example 5.
  • FIG. 11 exemplifies the mean plasma testosterone concentrations over time following the oral administration of: a) 300 mg/kg (testosterone/rat weight) of unformulated testosterone; (b) 31 mg/kg (testosterone/rat weight) of unformulated testosterone; (c) PLF-2 comprising 31 mg/kg of testosterone; (d) PLF-2 comprising 15.5 mg/kg of testosterone; and (e) PLF-2 comprising 7.75 mg/kg of testosterone male fasted rats. See Example 5.
  • FIG. 12 exemplifies the in vitro testosterone dissolution profiles of the following formulations: (a) encapsulated PLF-5 with Avicel® PH 101 and 1% Explotab® disintegrant; (b) tableted PLF-5 with Avicel® PH 101, SD lactose, Mg stearate; and 1% Explotab® disintegrant; (c) tableted PLF-5 with Avicel® PH 101, Mg stearate; and 5% Explotab® disintegrant; and (d) powdered PLF-5 with Avicel® PH 101, Mg stearate; and 5% Explotab® disintegrant. See Example 6.
  • FIG. 13 exemplifies the in vitro testosterone dissolution profiles of the following tableted formulations: (a) PLF-6 with Avicel® PH 101, Mg stearate; and Explotab® disintegrant; (b) PLF-6 with 20% Pearlitol®, Avicel® PH 102, Mg stearate; and Explotab® disintegrant; (c) PLF-6 with 10% Pearlitol®, Avicel® PH 102, Mg stearate; and Explotab® disintegrant; (d) PLF-7 with Avicel® PH 102, Mg stearate; and Explotab® disintegrant; and (e) PLF-6 with Avicel® PH 101, Mg stearate; and Explotab® disintegrant. Dissolution in (e) was performed in a Type II apparatus at 75 rpm, rather then 50 rpm, as was done for (a)-(d). See Example 7.
  • FIG. 14 exemplifies the in vitro testosterone dissolution profiles of the following formulations: (a) encapsulated PLF-2 with Avicel® PH 101; (b) tableted PLF-6 with Avicel® PH 101, Mg stearate; and Explotab® disintegrant; and (c) PLF-8 (unformulated testosterone control). See Example 8 and Table 9.
  • FIG. 15 exemplifies the in vitro testosterone dissolution profiles of the following encapsulated formulations: (a) PLF-9 with Avicel® PH 102 (1:2); (b) PLF-9 with Avicel® PH 102 (1:0.5); (c) PLF-9 with Avicel® PH 102 (1:1); (d) PLF-9 with Avicel® PH 102 (1:0.6); and (e) PLF-9 with Avicel® PH 102 (1:0.6) and Explotab® disintegrant. See Example 9 and Table 10.
  • FIG. 16 exemplifies the in vitro testosterone dissolution profiles of the following encapsulated formulations and percentages of SLS in the dissolution media: (a) PLF-11 with Avicel® PH 102 dissolved in 1% SLS; (b) PLF-11 with Avicel® PH 102 dissolved in 2% SLS; (c) PLF-12 with Avicel® PH 102 and Explotab® disintegrant dissolved in 0.5% SLS; and (d) PLF-12 with Avicel® PH 102 and Explotab® disintegrant dissolved in 1% SLS. See Example 10 and Table 11.
  • FIG. 17 exemplifies the in vitro testosterone dissolution profiles of the following encapsulated formulations: (a) PLF-16 with Avicel® PH 102 and Explotab® disintegrant; (b) PLF-17 with Avicel® PH 102 and Explotab® disintegrant; (c) PLF-18 with SMCC and Explotab® disintegrant; (d) PLF-19 with DCP and Explotab® disintegrant; (e) PLF-20 with Avicel® PH 102 and Explotab® disintegrant; (f) PLF-21 with SMCC and Explotab® disintegrant; and (g) PLF-22 with DCP and Explotab® disintegrant. See Example 12, and Table 13.
  • FIG. 18 exemplifies the in vitro testosterone dissolution profiles of encapsulated (a) PLF 24 (placebo) enteric coated and (b) enterically coated PLF 25 containing testosterone. See Example 13 and Table 14.
  • FIG. 19 exemplifies the in vitro testosterone dissolution profiles of the following encapsulated formulations: (a) enterically-coated PLF-26; (b) enterically-coated PLF-27; and (c) uncoated PLF-29. See Example 14 and Table 18.
  • FIG. 20 exemplifies the transport of testosterone released from the formulations listed in Table 20 across a monolayer of Caco-2 Cells. See Example 15B and Table 20.
  • FIG. 21 exemplifies the mean plasma concentrations of testosterone over time obtained from human patients with hypogonadism following the oral administration of either 120 mg or 240 mg of testosterone in humans as described in the pharmacokinetics study of Example 16.
  • Testosterone (T) concentrations are adjusted for baseline. Plasma testosterone concentrations were determined at the times shown after administration of: (a) 120 mg of T under fasting conditions; (b) 240 mg of T under fasting conditions; (c) 120 mg of T under fed conditions; and (d) 240 mg of T under fed conditions.
  • FIG. 22 exemplifies the mean plasma concentrations of the testosterone metabolite DHT over time obtained from human patients with hypogonadism following the oral administration of either 120 mg or 240 mg of testosterone that has been formulated as provided in Table 20. DHT concentrations are adjusted for baseline. Plasma DHT concentrations were determined at the times shown after administration of either: (a) 120 mg of formulated T under fasting conditions; (b) 240 mg of formulated T under fasting conditions; (c) 120 mg of formulated T under fed conditions; and (d) 240 mg of formulated T under fed conditions.
  • FIG. 23 exemplifies mean plasma testosterone concentrations (24 h profile) in human subjects with hypogonadism after receiving twice-daily, oral adminstrations of either 120 mg or 240 mg of formulated testosterone (T) for a period of time of one day (D1) and fifteen days (D15).
  • the 120 mg dosage form used to obtain the data is described in Example 18.
  • the 240 mg doses were given by administering two 120 mg doses.
  • FIG. 24 exemplifies mean plasma testosterone (T) concentrations of human subjects with hypogonadism every two hours over the first 24 hours of a 15 day long treatment regimen of being administered a 120 mg testosterone dosage form like the dosage form that is described in Example 18, herein, twice-daily.
  • FIG. 25 exemplifies mean plasma testosterone (T) concentrations of human subjects with hypogonadism every two hours over the first 24 hours of a 15 day long treatment regimen of being administered the 240 mg testosterone proliposomal dosage form that is described in Example 18, herein, twice-daily.
  • FIG. 26 exemplifies the mean plasma testosterone concentrations in beagle dogs over the 24 hour period of the first day of after orally administering: (a) placebo, (b) 120 mg, (c) 600 mg, or (d) 1200 mg of testosterone that had been formulated according to the composition and method of preparation of the proliposomal testosterone dosage form described in Example 18.
  • FIG. 27 exemplifies the mean plasma testosterone concentrations in beagle dogs over a 24 hour period of the 57 th day after orally administering (a) placebo, (b) 120 mg, (c) 600 mg, or (d) 1200 mg of testosterone that had been formulated according to the composition and method of preparation of the proliposomal testosterone dosage form described in Example 18.
  • FIG. 28 exemplifies the mean plasma testosterone concentrations in beagle dogs over a 24 hour period of the 91 st day after orally administering (a) placebo, (b) 120 mg, (c) 600 mg, or (d) 1200 mg of testosterone that had been formulated according to the composition and method of preparation of the proliposomal testosterone dosage form described in Example 18.
  • compositions and methods of treating testosterone deficiency are compositions and methods of treating diseases, disorders, or conditions characterized by testosterone deficiency.
  • methods and compositions for treating diseases, disorders, or conditions characterized by testosterone deficiency A number of situations (including aging, the use of androgen depletion therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer, or genetic abnormalities) may result in abnormally low levels of testosterone (i.e., testosterone deficiency).
  • the consequences associated with testosterone deficiency in men include, but are not limited to, increased fat mass, decreased muscle mass and strength, sexual dysfunction, and osteoporosis. Testosterone deficiency may also be associated with the development of a variety of metabolic and cardiovascular conditions.
  • testosterone in his body gradually declines. This natural decline starts after age 30 and continues throughout life.
  • Other causes of low testosterone levels include, but are not limited to: injury, infection, or loss of the testicles; chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer; genetic abnormalities such as Klinefelter's Syndrome (extra X chromosome); hemochromatosis (too much iron in the body); dysfunction of the pituitary gland (a gland in the brain that produces many important hormones); inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis (a condition that causes inflammation of the lungs); medications, especially hormones used to treat prostate cancer and corticosteroid drugs; chronic illness; chronic kidney failure; liver cirrhosis; stress; alcoholism; obesity (especially abdominal); and congenital conditions, such as Kallman's Syndrome.
  • TDS testosterone deficiency syndrome
  • Patients have low circulating testosterone in combination with clinical symptoms such as fatigue, erectile dysfunction, and body composition changes. The cause may be primary (genetic anomaly, Klinefelter's syndrome) or secondary (defect in hypothalamus or pituitary), but often presents with the same symptomatology.
  • androgen deficiency of the aging male ADAM
  • Hypogonadal patients have alterations not only in sexual function and body composition, but also in cognition and metabolism.
  • hypogonadal patients who are both symptomatic and who have clinically significant alterations in laboratory values are candidates for treatment.
  • the goal of hormone replacement therapy in these men is to restore hormone levels to the normal range and to alleviate symptoms suggestive of hormone deficiency. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, although most commonly testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is employed.
  • TRT testosterone replacement therapy
  • proliposomal powder dispersions for treating hypogonadism comprising: (a) testosterone, (b) cholesterol, and (c) at least one phospholipid, wherein (a) and (b) are present in a weight ratio (a):(b) ranging from 1:0.05 to 1:0.30 and (a), (b) and (c) are present in a weight ratio of (a):((b)+(c)) ranging from 1:1.0 and 1:2.5.
  • a proliposomal powder dispersion comprising: (a) testosterone, (b) cholesterol, and (c) at least one phospholipid, wherein (a) and (b) are present in a weight ratio (a):(b) ranging from 1:0.05 to 1:0.30 and (a), (b) and (c) are present in a weight ratio of (a):((b)+(c)) ranging from 1:1.0 and 1:2.5.
  • Klinefelter's syndrome (47XXY, or XXY syndrome) is a condition in which human males have an extra X chromosome.
  • 47XXY is the most common sex chromosome aneuploidy in males and the second most common condition caused by the presence of extra chromosomes.
  • the physical traits of the syndrome become more apparent after the onset of puberty, if at all. Principal effects include hypogonadism and reduced fertility.
  • a variety of other physical and behavioural differences and problems are common, though severity varies and many XXY boys have few detectable symptoms. Not all XXY boys and men develop the symptoms of Klinefelter syndrome. The genetic variation is irreversible.
  • Testosterone treatment is an option for some individuals who desire a more masculine appearance and identity.
  • proliposomal powder dispersions for treating Klinefelter's syndrome comprising: (a) testosterone, (b) cholesterol, and (c) at least one phospholipid, wherein (a) and (b) are present in a weight ratio (a):(b) ranging from 1:0.05 to 1:0.30 and (a), (b) and (c) are present in a weight ratio of (a):((b)+(c)) ranging from 1:1 and 1:2.5.
  • a proliposomal powder dispersion comprising: (a) testosterone, (b) cholesterol, and (c) at least one phospholipid, wherein (a) and (b) are present in a weight ratio (a):(b) ranging from 1:0.05 to 1:0.30 and (a), (b) and (c) are present in a weight ratio of (a):((b)+(c)) ranging from 1:1.0 and 1:2.5.
  • Other diseases or conditions where the level of endogenous testosterone is insufficient include, but are not limited to, erectile dysfunction, idiopathic gonadotropin deficiency, pitutary hypothalamus injury due to tumours, osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, chronic heart failure, chemotherapy, hemochromatosis, cirrhosis, renal failure, AIDS, sarcoidosis, Kallman's Syndrome, androgen receptor defects, 5-alpha reductase deficiency, myotonic dystrophy, cryptorchidism, mumps orchitis, aging, fertile eunuch syndrome, and pituitary disorders.
  • proliposomal powder dispersions for treating diseases, disorders or conditions where the level of endogenous testosterone is insufficient comprising: (a) testosterone, (b) cholesterol, and (c) at least one phospholipid, wherein (a) and (b) are present in a weight ratio (a):(b) ranging from 1:0.05 to 1:0.30 and (a), (b) and (c) are present in a weight ratio of (a):((b)+(c)) ranging from 1:1 and 1:2.5.
  • a proliposomal powder dispersion comprising: (a) testosterone, (b) cholesterol, and (c) at least one phospholipid, wherein (a) and (b) are present in a weight ratio (a):(b) ranging from 1:0.05 to 1:0.30 and (a), (b) and (c) are present in a weight ratio of (a):((b)+(c)) ranging from 1:1 and 1:2.5.
  • the disease, disorder or condition where the level of endogenous testosterone is insufficient is erectile dysfunction, idiopathic gonadotropin deficiency, pitutary hypothalamus injury due to tumours, osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, chronic heart failure, chemotherapy, hemochromatosis, cirrhosis, renal failure, AIDS, sarcoidosis, Kallman's Syndrome, androgen receptor defects, 5-alpha reductase deficiency, myotonic dystrophy, cryptorchidism, mumps orchitis, aging, fertile eunuch syndrome, and pituitary disorders.
  • the disease, disorder or condition where the level of endogenous testosterone is insufficient is erectile dysfunction. In embodiments of any of the aforementioned, the disease, disorder or condition where the level of endogenous testosterone is insufficient is diabetes mellitus. In embodiments of any of the aforementioned, the disease, disorder or condition where the level of endogenous testosterone is insufficient is chronic heart failure.
  • the therapeutic effectiveness of a drug depends on its bioavailability, i.e., the measure of the rate and extent to which the drug or active moiety is absorbed from a drug product and becomes available at the site of action. Poor bioavailability of a drug depends on many factors, particularly important factors include drug solubility in the gastro-intestinal fluid (GI fluid), drug stability in the GI region (acid and enzyme stability), and systemic concentration of the drug without significant loss to the hepatic portal system before reaching the rest of the body (the first pass effect). If a drug fails in one of these aspects, the drug may not be sufficiently available for biological activity.
  • GI fluid gastro-intestinal fluid
  • drug stability in the GI region ascid and enzyme stability
  • systemic concentration of the drug without significant loss to the hepatic portal system before reaching the rest of the body (the first pass effect). If a drug fails in one of these aspects, the drug may not be sufficiently available for biological activity.
  • the FDA's Biopharmaceutics Classification System provides guidance for predicting oral drug absorption by taking into account a drug's aqueous solubility and its tissue permeability.
  • the BCS divides drugs into classes I through IV based on their aqueous solubility and permeability.
  • Class I drugs are highly soluble and highly permeable
  • class II drugs have low solubility, but are highly permeable
  • class III drugs are highly soluble but poorly permeable
  • class IV drugs are low soluble and poorly permeable.
  • Testosterone is a BCS class II drug. Unless otherwise indicated, the term “testosterone” means testosterone that is chemically identical to testosterone produced by the human body, i.e., “native,” or “endogenous” testosterone, or a testosterone derivative. Testosterone may be isolated form natural sources or made by commercial synthetic processes. In some embodiments, the testosterone used in the proliposomal powder dispersions described herein is testosterone that is chemically identical to testosterone produced by the human body, i.e., “native,” or “endogenous” testosterone, or a testosterone derivative.
  • the testosterone used in the proliposomal powder dispersions decribed herein is a testosterone derivative, wherein the amount of a testosterone derivative in the proliposomal dispersion corresponds to a molar amount of testosterone allowed in a proliposomal dispersion based on the range of weight:weight ratios of testosterone to the other proliposomal dispersion components that are specified herein.
  • the testosterone used in the proliposomal powder dispersions described herein is a testosterone derivative selected from: testosterone undecanoate (or testosterone undecylate), epitestosterone, fluoxymesterone, mesterolone, methyltestosterone, 19-nortestosterone, 17-alpha methyl testosterone, 7-alpha alkyl 19-nortestosterone, or testosterone enanthate.
  • the testosterone used in the pharmaceutical compositions decribed herein is esterified at the 17-beta hydroxyl. In some embodiments, esterification of 17-beta hydroxyl group increases hydrophobicity.
  • the testosterone used in the proliposomal powder dispersions described herein is a salt of testosterone.
  • testosterone salts include, but are not limited to: testosterone acetate and testosterone propionate.
  • a proliposomal powder dispersion described herein comprises testosterone that is chemically identical to testosterone produced by the human body, i.e., “native,” or “endogenous” testosterone, a testosterone derivative or testosterone salt, or individual combinations thereof.
  • a major obstacle to successful commercialization of testosterone is the difficulty of enhancing not only its dissolution rate but also the extent of its dissolution. Indeed, the fact that BCS class II drugs, like testosterone, are poorly soluble is often associated with low and highly variable bioavailabilities of these drugs.
  • Another drawback of administering testosterone is that much of ingested testosterone is metabolized before it reaches its target(s). More specifically, the hepatic portal system that carries testosterone from the intestine to the liver where it is metabolized before reaching systemic circulation. The so-called name given to this phenomenon is “the first pass effect.” In addition to the fact that the metabolized drug does not provide the same effect as that of the parent drug, the first pass effect may also cause hepato-toxicity. As discussed below, different approaches have been developed in order to avoid the first pass effect that is associated with administering testosterone.
  • estosterone propionate such as, estosterone propionate, testosterone cypionate, testosterone enanthate, testosterone decanoate, and testosterone undecanoate
  • testosterone e.g., sold under the Restandol® and Andriol® tradenames.
  • testosterone enanthate for intramuscular injection under the Delatestryl® tradename
  • topical solution under the Axiron® tradename
  • buccal patch under the Striant® tradename
  • topical gel under the AndroGel® and AndroGel® 1.62% tradenames.
  • testosterone treatment is based on the well-established observation that circulating testosterone in a healthy male is metabolized to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and to estradiol.
  • DHT dihydrotestosterone
  • the ratio of testosterone to DHT is 10:1 and to that to estradiol is 200:1. Changes in these ratios affect androgenic activity.
  • testosterone derivatives that restore the ratio of testosterone to its metabolites have been used clinically.
  • These types of testosterone derivatives such as alkylated derivatives used for oral therapy (methyltestosterone) are metabolized slowly, thus allowing higher levels of DHT, which, in turn, change the circulating testosterone:DHT ratios.
  • alkylated testosterone derivatives has been associated with development of severe hepatotoxicity.
  • liposomes as effective oral carrier systems for testosterone.
  • Liposomes absorbed by the intestinal lymphatic system are incorporated into chylomicrons (i.e., a type of lipoprotein particle formed in the absorptive cells of the small intestine).
  • the chylomicrons, together with remaining liposomes bypass the liver (portal circulation), and travel through the lymph system to the subclavian vein.
  • these liposomes are digested by lipoprotein lipases derived from the capillary walls, which releases the drug.
  • liposome drug delivery offer, they also face obstacles presented by the gastrointestinal digestive fluids, pH variation, bile salts and lipolytic and proteolytic enzymes.
  • typical liposomes are mostly broken down by the gastric acids, rendering the delivery system ineffective for oral administration.
  • proliposomal drug delivery system One approach to liposome-mediated drug delivery that offers the advantages of liposomes, but minimizes the destructive effect of the gastrointestinal system on liposomes, is to use a proliposomal drug delivery system.
  • a poorly-water soluble drug such as testosterone can be incorporated into a dry, free-flowing powder that will form liposome-encapsulated testosterone in an aqueous environment.
  • proliposomal formulation are dry powders, they, unlike liposomes, can be coated with a delayed release coating (e.g., an enteric coating)” that will protect the formulation until it reaches the less hostile environment of the small intestine, where liposomes can form in a dramatically less destructive environment.
  • a delayed release coating e.g., an enteric coating
  • the proliposomal powder dispersions and the pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein are administered to an individual in need of testosterone replacement therapy.
  • the proliposomal powder dispersions and the pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein are administered to an individual in need thereof to treat erectile dysfunction, hypogonadism, idiopathic gonadotropin deficiency, pitutary hypothalamus injury due to tumours, osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, chronic heart failure, chemotherapy, Klinefelter's Syndrome, hemochromatosis, cirrhosis, renal failure, AIDS, sarcoidosis, Kallman's Syndrome, androgen receptor defects, 5-alpha reductase deficiency, myotonic dystrophy, cryptorchidism, mumps orchitis, aging, fertile eunuch syndrome, pituitary disorders, and other conditions where the level of endogenous testosterone is insufficient.
  • a method of treating an individual in need of testosterone therapy comprising administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of the proliposomal powder dispersion described herein.
  • the proliposomal powder dispersion or pharmaceutical composition is administered orally and in a dosage form described herein.
  • compositions described herein are formulated for delivery by any suitable method.
  • exemplary forms of the pharmaceutical compositions described herein include, a tablet, a pill, a powder, a capsule (including both soft or hard capsules made from animal-derived gelatin or plant-derived HPMC), a sachet, a troche, pellets, granules, emulsions, and solutions.
  • These pharmaceutical compositions described herein can be manufactured by conventional techniques known in the pharmaceutical arts.
  • Conventional techniques for preparing pharmaceutical compositions described herein include, e.g., one or a combination of methods: (1) dry mixing, (2) direct compression, (3) milling, (4) dry or non-aqueous granulation, (5) wet granulation, or (6) fusion. See, e.g., Lachman et al., The Theory and Practice of Industrial Pharmacy (1986). Other methods include, e.g., prilling, spray drying, pan coating, melt granulation, granulation, wurster coating, tangential coating, top spraying, tableting, extruding, coacervation and the like.
  • novel testosterone formulations where a pharmaceutically effective amount of testosterone is incorporated into a phospholipid/cholesterol system to produce a proliposomal powder dispersion.
  • the proliposomal powder dispersions are contained in delayed-release capsule for oral administration and to withstand the acidic environment in the stomach.
  • the proliposomal powder dispersions are contained in an enterically-coated capsule for oral administration and to withstand the acidic environment in the stomach. Upon contact with small intestinal fluid, the proliposomal powder dispersion is dispersed and hydrated, leading to the formation of liposomes and uptake of the testosterone through the lymphatic system.
  • the compositions disclosed herein reduce the first-pass side effect that is commonly associated with oral administration of testosterone.
  • a proliposomal powder dispersion disclosed herein comprises (a) testosterone, (b) cholesterol, and (c) at least one phospholipid.
  • a “proliposomal powder dispersion” means a mixture of at least (a) testosterone, (b) cholesterol, and (c) at least one phospholipid, dispersed one in another, and which forms a liposome upon contact with an aqueous environment.
  • proliposomal powder dispersions with low amounts of cholesterol possess improved permeability with less standard deviation as compared to powder dispersions with no cholesterol or powder dispersions containing relatively large amounts of cholesterol.
  • testosterone (a) and cholesterol (b) are present in a weight ratio of (a):(b) that ranges from about 1:about 0.05 to about 1:about 0.3. In some embodiments, testosterone (a) and cholesterol (b) are present in a weight ratio of (a):(b) that ranges from 1:0.05 to 1:0.3. In some embodiments, testosterone (a) and cholesterol (b) are present in a weight ratio of (a):(b) is about 1:about 0.05, about 1:about 0.1, about 1:about 0.15, about 1:about 0.2, about 1:about 0.25, or about 1:about 0.3.
  • testosterone (a) and cholesterol (b) are present in a weight ratio of (a):(b) is 1:0.05, 1:0.1, 1:0.15, 1:0.2, 1:0.25, or 1:0.3.
  • the ratio of testosterone to (b) and the at least one phospholipid (c), i.e., (a):((b)+(c)) range from about 1:about 1 to about 1:about 2.5.
  • the ratio of testosterone to (b) and the at least one phospholipid (c), i.e., (a):((b) (c)) range from 1:1 to 1:2.5.
  • the ratio of testosterone to (b) and the at least one phospholipid (c), i.e., (a):((b)+(c)) is about 1:about 1, about 1:about 1.1, about 1:about 1.2, about 1:about 1.3, about 1:about 1.4, about 1:about 1.5, about 1:about 1.6, about 1:about 1.7, about 1:about 1.8, about 1:about 1.9, about 1:about 2.0, about 1:about 2.1, about 1:about 2.2, about 1:about 2.3, about 1:about 2.4, or about 1:about 2.5.
  • the ratio of testosterone to (b) and the at least one phospholipid (c), i.e., (a):((b)+(c)) is 1:1, 1:1.1, 1:1.2, 1:1.3, 1:1.4, 1:1.5, 1:1.6, 1:1.7, 1:1.8, 1:1.9, 1:2.0, 1:2.1, 1:2.2, 1:2.3, 1:2.4, or 1:2.5.
  • the weight ratios of the components in the powder dispersion may be varied within these ranges.
  • the weight ratios of testosterone:cholesterol:at least one phospholipid are: about 1:about 0.1:about 0.9; about 1:about 0.2:about 1.8; and about 1:about 0.2:about 1.3.
  • the weight ratios of testosterone:cholesterol:at least one phospholipid are: 1:0.1:0.9; 1:0.2:1.8; and 1:0.2:1.3. In certain embodiments, the weight ratio of (a):(b) ranges from about 1:about 0.1 to about 1:about 0.2 and (a), (b) and the at least one phospholipid (c) are present in a weight ratio of (a):((b)+(c)) ranging from about 1:about 1.1 and about 1:about 2.
  • the weight ratio of (a):(b) ranges from 1:0.1 to 1:0.2 and (a), (b) and the at least one phospholipid (c) are present in a weight ratio of (a):((b)+(c)) ranging from 1:1.1 and 1:2.
  • a proliposomal powder dispersion disclosed herein comprises (a) testosterone, (b) cholesterol, and (c) at least one phospholipid. In some embodiments, a proliposomal powder dispersion disclosed herein comprises (a) testosterone, (b) cholesterol, and (c) two phospholipids.
  • the phospholipid component of a powder dispersion disclosed herein is any pharmaceutically acceptable phospholipid and mixtures of such phospholipids. Natural as well as synthetic phospholipids may be used. Phospholipids are molecules that have two primary regions, a hydrophilic head region comprised of a phosphate of an organic molecule and one or more hydrophobic fatty acid tails.
  • Naturally-occurring phospholipids generally have a hydrophilic region comprised of choline, glycerol and a phosphate and two hydrophobic regions comprised of fatty acid.
  • the hydrophilic heads When phospholipids are placed in an aqueous environment, the hydrophilic heads come together in a linear configuration with their hydrophobic tails aligned essentially parallel to one another. A second line of molecules then aligns tail-to-tail with the first line as the hydrophobic tails attempt to avoid the aqueous environment.
  • the two lines of phospholipids converge into a liposome.
  • the liposomes or phospholipid spheres
  • Suitable phospholipids that may be used in a proliposomal powder dispersion disclosed herein include but are not limited to distearoyl phosphatidylcholine, dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine, dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine, egg phosphatidylcholine, soy phosphatidylcholine, dimyrsityl phosphatidyl glycerol sodium, 1,2-dimyristoyl-phosphatidic acid, dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol, dipalmitoyl phosphate, 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-rac-glycerol, 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylserine and sphingomyelin.
  • the proliposomal powder dispersions disclosed herein may also comprise individual combinations of any of the aforementioned phospholipids.
  • phospholipids containing saturated fatty acids are employed.
  • use of phospholipids containing saturated fatty acids avoid stability (chemical) problems sometimes associated with unsaturated fatty acids.
  • the phospholipid, distearoyl phosphatidylcholine has been found to be particularly useful in the powder dispersions described herein.
  • the phospholipid is distearoyl phosphatidylcholine.
  • a proliposomal powder dispersion disclosed herein comprises (a) testosterone, (b) cholesterol, and (c) at least one phospholipid. In some embodiments, a proliposomal powder dispersion disclosed herein comprises (a) testosterone, (b) a cholesterol derivative, and (c) at least one phospholipid.
  • a proliposomal powder dispersion disclosed herein comprises (a) testosterone, (b) cholesterol, a cholesterol derivative, or a combination thereof, and (c) at least one phospholipid, wherein the amount of a cholesterol derivative in the proliposomal dispersion corresponds to a molar amount of cholesterol allowed in a proliposomal dispersion based on the range of weight:weight ratios of cholesterol to the other proliposomal dispersion components that are specified herein.
  • the cholesterol component of the proliposomal powder dispersion disclosed herein is either cholesterol (3 ⁇ -hydroxy-5-cholestene 5-cholesten-3 ⁇ -ol) or a cholesterol derivative.
  • Suitable cholesterol and derivatives include, but are not limited to: 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol; 22(S)-hydroxycholesterol; 25-hydroxycholesterol; 5-cholesten-3 ⁇ -ol-7-one; 5 ⁇ -cholest-7-en-3 ⁇ -ol; 5 ⁇ -cholestan-3 ⁇ -ol; 5 ⁇ -cholestane; 5 ⁇ -cholestan-3 ⁇ -ol; 7 ⁇ -hydroxycholesterol; campesterol; cholesta-3,5-diene; cholestanol; cholesterol 5 ⁇ ,6 ⁇ -epoxide; cholesterol 5 ⁇ ,6 ⁇ -epoxide; cholesterol-PEG 600; cholesterol; cholesteryl 10-undecenoate; cholesteryl acetate; cholesteryl arachidonate; cholesteryl behenate; cholesteryl butyrate; cholesteryl caprylate; cholesteryl dodecanoate; cholesteryl elaidate; cholesteryl erucate; cholesteryl heptadecan
  • a proliposomal powder dispersion disclosed herein is prepared by first dissolving testosterone in a solvent.
  • the solvent is any solvent in which testosterone dissolves, but is preferably a water-miscible solvent.
  • solvents include, but are not limited to, ethanol, methanol, chloroform, dichloromethane, acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and diethyl ether.
  • water-miscible solvent e.g., an ethanol and water solvent system
  • Solvent-water systems are also made on a volume to volume basis, and the amount of water should not be so much that the phospholid forms liposomes.
  • the solvent solution should not comprise 10% or more of water (vol/vol).
  • the testosterone is dissolved, in some embodiments cholesterol, and at least one phospholipid, as well as any other proliposomal powder components are added to the solution and mixed to form a solution or dispersion of the components in the solvent.
  • the amounts of phospholipid and cholesterol added to the solution are such that the ratio (wt/wt) of testosterone to phospholipid to cholesterol ranges from (0.50-3.50):(0.50-3.00):(0.05-0.50).
  • the amounts of phospholipid and cholesterol added to the solution are such that the ratio (wt/wt) of testosterone to phospholipid to cholesterol range from (about 0.50-about 3.50):(about 0.50-about 3.00):(about 0.05-about 0.50).
  • the ratio (wt/wt) of testosterone to phospholipid to cholesterol ranges: (1.00:0.90:0.10); (1.50:1.35:0.15); (1.50:2.70:0.30); (1.00:1.35:0.15); or (3.00:2.70:0.30), respectively, as well as any ratio in between these ratios.
  • the ratio (wt/wt) of testosterone to phospholipid to cholesterol ranges: (about 1.00:about 0.90:about 0.10); (about 1.50:about 1.35:about 0.15); (about 1.50:about 2.70:about 0.30); (about 1.00:about 1.35:about 0.15); or (about 3.00:about 2.70:about 0.30), respectively, as well as any ratio in between these ratios.
  • the dissolution of testosterone and the mixing of other components is done in one or a series of steps and by any suitable means and preferably by stirring. In some embodiments, after mixing, the solvent is removed to yield a powder.
  • the solvent is removed by suitable technique, for example, by evaporation, by placing the solution under vacuum, by spray-drying, or by use of a drying gas, and the like.
  • the components are mixed by stirring at room temperature until the solvent evaporates, i.e., by stirring overnight.
  • a method of removing the solvent further comprises use of heat.
  • the particle size of resulting powder dispersion may be reduced by grinding, passing the powder through screens, or by any other suitable technique.
  • the particles within a proliposomal powder dispersion described herein may have powder size ranging from about 10 to 200 mesh, 20 to 120 mesh or 40 to 80 mesh. If desired, the proliposomal powder dispersion may undergo further drying to remove or reduce the amount of any residual solvent still present in the powder. Such a further drying step is performed by using one or more of the drying techniques discussed above or by other suitable drying technique.
  • a proliposomal powder dispersion disclosed herein further comprises other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.
  • excipients are generally added to the combined, powdered mixture of testosterone, cholesterol and phospholipid, i.e., excipients are added “externally.”
  • the free-flowing powdered formulation may be admixed with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
  • Exemplary pharmaceutically acceptable excipients include, but are not limited to: (a) fillers or extenders, such as, for example, starches, lactose (e.g., lactose monohydrate), sucrose, glucose, mannitol, and silicic acid; (b) binders, such as, for example, cellulose derivatives, including microcrystalline cellulose, e.g., the various Avicel® PH products (FMC BioPolymer—Philadelphia, Pa.) (e.g., Avicel® PH-101 and PH-102), and Prosolv® SMCC 90 and Prosolv® SMCC 90 HD (JRS Pharma—Rosenberg, Germany), starch, aliginates, gelatin, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sucrose, and gum acacia, (c) humectants, such as, for example, glycerol, (d) disintegrating agents, such as, for example, agar-agar, calcium carbonate, potato or tapio
  • the pharmaceutically acceptable excipients are used in any suitable amount for the particular excipient.
  • the excipient is not a binder, in some embodiments the excipients are present in a testosterone:excipient weight ratio ranging from about 1:about 0.05 to about 1:about 0.3, and from about 1:about 0.1 to about 1:about 0.2.
  • the excipient is not a binder, in some embodiments the excipients are present in a testosterone:excipient weight ratio ranging from 1:0.05 to 1:0.3, and from about 1:0.1 to 1:0.2.
  • the excipients are binders, in some embodiments the testosterone:excipient weight ratio ranges from about 1:about 0.5 to about 1:about 4.
  • the testosterone:excipient weight ratio ranges from 1:0.5 to 1:4.
  • a formulation described herein further comprises a disintegrating agent.
  • the formulation comprises the disintegrating agent, sodium starch glycolate, e.g., Explotab® disintegrant.
  • Other suitable disintegrating agents may also be sued.
  • the ratio of disintegrating agent to the combined mixture of testosterone, phospholipid, and cholesterol (“the proliposomal powder component of the formulation”) ranges from about 1:about 10 to about 1:about 35 (wt/wt), which correlates to a ratio of disintegrating agent to testosterone that ranges from about 1:about 5 to about 1:about 20.
  • the ratio of disintegrating agent to the combined mixture of testosterone, phospholipid, and cholesterol (“the proliposomal powder component of the formulation”) ranges from 1:10 to 1:35 (wt/wt), which correlates to a ratio of disintegrating agent to testosterone that ranges from 1:5 to 1:20.
  • a formulation described herein further comprises a binder.
  • binders are often classified according to particle size, the particle size of the binder excipient that is included in the formulation is selected based on the knowledge and skill of one of skill in the pharmaceutical formulation arts.
  • the binder is a microcrystalline cellulose, such as Avicel®PH-101, which has a particle size of 50 ⁇ m, or Avicel® PH-102, which has a particle size of 100 ⁇ m.
  • the binder is Prosolv® SMCC 90 or Prosolv® SMCC 90 HD which are both microcrystalline cellulose binders, each with a particle size of 110 ⁇ m.
  • the binder is dibasic calcium phosphate (DCP).
  • DCP dibasic calcium phosphate
  • the ratio of microcrystalline cellulose binder to the proliposomal powder component of the formulation ranges from from 1:1 to 3:1 (wt/wt), which correlates to a ratio of binder to testosterone that ranges from 4:1 to 1.5:1.
  • the ratio of microcrystalline cellulose binder to the proliposomal powder component of the formulation ranges from about 1:about 1 to about 3:about 1 (wt/wt), which correlates to a ratio of binder to testosterone that ranges from 4:1 to 1.5:1.
  • the binder is DCP and the ratio of binder to the proliposomal powder component ranges from 0.25:1 to 1.6:1 wt/wt), which correlates to a ratio of binder to testosterone that ranges from 0.20:1 to 0.50:1. In some embodiments, the binder is DCP and the ratio of binder to the proliposomal powder component ranges from about 0.25:about 1 to about 1.6:about 1 wt/wt), which correlates to a ratio of binder to testosterone that ranges from about 0.20:about 1 to about 0.50:about 1.
  • a formulation described herein further comprises a lubricant.
  • the formulation comprises the lubricant, magnesium (Mg) stearate.
  • Mg magnesium
  • the ratio of lubricant to the proliposomal powder component of the formulation ranges from 145:1 to 225:1 (wt/wt), which correlates to a ratio of lubricant to testosterone that ranges from 70:1 to 115:1.
  • the ratio of lubricant to the proliposomal powder component of the formulation ranges from about 145:about 1 to about 225:about 1 (wt/wt), which correlates to a ratio of lubricant to testosterone that ranges from about 70:about 1 to about 115:about 1.
  • a formulation described herein further comprises a dispersant.
  • the formulation comprises the dispersant, mannitol, e.g., Pearlitol® SD 200.
  • the ratio of dispersant to the proliposomal powder component of the formulation ranges from 0.20:1 to 0.60:1 (wt/wt), which correlates to a ratio of dispersant to testosterone that ranges from 0.40:1.0 to 1.5:1.0.
  • the ratio of dispersant to the proliposomal powder component of the formulation ranges from about 0.20:about 1 to about 0.60:about 1 (wt/wt), which correlates to a ratio of dispersant to testosterone that ranges from about 0.40:about 1.0 to about 1.5:about 1.0.
  • an oral dosage form comprising a proliposomal powder dispersion or a pharmaceutical composition described herein.
  • exemplary forms of the pharmaceutical compositions described herein include, a tablet, a pill, a powder, a capsule (including both soft or hard capsules made from animal-derived gelatin or plant-derived HPMC), a sachet, a troche, pellets, granules, emulsions, and solutions.
  • the oral dosage form is a tablet or a capsule.
  • the oral dosage form has a delayed release coating (e.g., an enteric coating).
  • the oral dosage form has an enteric coating.
  • Tablets may be prepared by any suitable technique (e.g., compression techniques).
  • compression techniques include, e.g., one or a combination of methods: (1) dry mixing, (2) direct compression, (3) milling, (4) dry or non-aqueous granulation, (5) wet granulation, or (6) fusion. See, e.g., Lachman et al., The Theory and Practice of Industrial Pharmacy (1986).
  • Other methods include, e.g., spray drying, pan coating, melt granulation, granulation, fluidized bed spray drying or coating (e.g., wurster coating), tangential coating, top spraying, tableting, extruding and the like.
  • Compressed tablets are solid dosage forms prepared by compacting the bulk blend formulations described above.
  • the compressed tablets will include a film surrounding the final compressed tablet.
  • the film coating aids in patient compliance (e.g., Opadry® coatings or sugar coating). Film coatings comprising Opadry® typically range from about 1% to about 5% of the tablet weight.
  • the compressed tablets include one or more excipients.
  • compositions in film-coated dosage forms which comprise a combination of an active ingredient, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or prodrug thereof; and one or more tabletting excipients to form a tablet core using conventional tabletting processes and subsequently coating the core.
  • the tablet cores can be produced using conventional granulation methods, for example wet or dry granulation, with optional comminution of the granules and with subsequent compression and coating.
  • compressed tablets are solid dosage forms prepared by compacting the bulk blend compositions described above.
  • the compressed tablets comprise a film surrounding the final compressed tablet.
  • compositions in enteric coated dosage forms which comprise a combination of an active ingredient, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or prodrug thereof; and one or more release controlling excipients for use in an enteric coated dosage form.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions also comprise non-release controlling excipients.
  • Enteric-coatings are coatings that resist the action of stomach acid but dissolve or disintegrate in the intestine.
  • Capsules include both soft and hard capsules, e.g., capsules made from animal-derived gelatin or plant-derived HPMC.
  • the capsule is a size 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0, 0E, 00, 000, 13, 12, 12el, 11, 10, 7 or Su07.
  • the capsule is a size ‘00’ Vcaps or a hard gelatin capsule.
  • the capsules are filled with the powdered proliposomal testosterone formulation disclosed herein, including excipients.
  • compositions which are used orally include push-fit capsules made of gelatin, as well as soft, sealed capsules made of gelatin and a plasticizer, such as glycerol or sorbitol.
  • a plasticizer such as glycerol or sorbitol.
  • stabilizers are added.
  • Capsules are filled using any suitable techniques.
  • a capsule may be prepared by placing the bulk blend composition, described above, inside a capsule.
  • the filled capsules may be coated with a delayed release coating (e.g., an enteric coating).
  • the delayed release coating e.g., an enteric coating
  • the delayed release coating (e.g., an enteric coating) composition comprises a polymer, such as an aqueous dispersion of anionic polymers with methacrylic acid as a functional group (e.g., Eudragit® L30D-55 (Evonik Industries).
  • the delayed release coating (e.g., an enteric coating) composition comprises a plasticizer (e.g., triethyl citrate).
  • the delayed release coating (e.g., an enteric coating) composition comprises an anti-tacking agent (e.g., talc).
  • the delayed release coating (e.g., an enteric coating) composition comprises a diluent such as water.
  • the coating composition comprises about: about 42 weight % (wt %) of an aqueous dispersion of anionic polymers with methacrylic acid as a functional group; about 1.25 wt % of a plasticizer; about 6.25 wt % of an anti-tacking agent; and about 51 wt % of a diluent.
  • the coating composition comprises about: 42 weight % (wt %) of an aqueous dispersion of anionic polymers with methacrylic acid as a functional group; 1.25 wt % of a plasticizer; 6.25 wt % of an anti-tacking agent; and 51 wt % of a diluent.
  • an appropriate amount of an anionic copolymer based on methacrylic acid and ethyl acrylate, such as Eudragit® L100-55 is used in place of Eudragit® L30D-55.
  • the coating composition is applied to the capsules by using any suitable method, such as, but not limited to using a Procept pan coating machine and Caleva mini coater air suspension coating machine to coat the capsules until they experience a 10% to 15% weight gain.
  • the solid dosage forms described herein can be formulated as enteric coated delayed release oral dosage forms, i.e., as an oral dosage form of a pharmaceutical composition as described herein which utilizes a delayed release coating (e.g., an enteric coating) to affect release in the small intestine of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • a delayed release coating e.g., an enteric coating
  • the solid dosage forms described herein are coated.
  • the coating is, for example, a gastric resistant coating such as an delayed release coating (e.g., an enteric coating), a controlled-release coating, an enzymatic-controlled coating, a film coating, a sustained-release coating, an immediate-release coating, a delayed-release coating, or a moisture barrier coating.
  • a gastric resistant coating such as an delayed release coating (e.g., an enteric coating), a controlled-release coating, an enzymatic-controlled coating, a film coating, a sustained-release coating, an immediate-release coating, a delayed-release coating, or a moisture barrier coating.
  • a delayed release formulation is prepared by (a) spraying the proliposomal dispersion on to nonpareil beads by top spray configuration, (b) coating the beads with a barrier coat, and (c) coating the beads an delayed release coating (e.g., an enteric coating) polymer.
  • the enteric coated nonpareil beads are then formulated as tablets or capsules.
  • the term “delayed release” as used herein refers to the delivery so that the release can be accomplished at some generally predictable location in the intestinal tract more distal to that which would have been accomplished if there had been no delayed release alterations.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions described herein release the testosterone in the small intestine.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions described herein release the testosterone in the duodenum, jejunum or ileum.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions described herein release the testosterone in the large intestine.
  • the method for delay of release is coating. Any coatings should be applied to a sufficient thickness such that the entire coating does not dissolve in the gastrointestinal fluids at pH below about 5, but does dissolve at pH about 5 and above.
  • any anionic polymer exhibiting a pH-dependent solubility profile can be used as a delayed release coating (e.g., an enteric coating) in the methods and compositions described herein to achieve delivery to the lower gastrointestinal tract.
  • the polymers described herein are anionic carboxylic polymers.
  • the polymers and compatible mixtures thereof, and some of their properties include, but are not limited to:
  • Shellac also called purified lac, a refined product obtained from the resinous secretion of an insect. This coating dissolves in media of pH>7;
  • Acrylic polymers (primarily their solubility in biological fluids) can vary based on the degree and type of substitution. Examples of suitable acrylic polymers include methacrylic acid copolymers and ammonium methacrylate copolymers.
  • the Eudragit® series E, L, S, RL, RS and NE (Evonik industries) are available as solubilized in organic solvent, aqueous dispersion, or dry powders.
  • the Eudragit® series RL, NE, and RS are insoluble in the gastrointestinal tract but are permeable and are used primarily for colonic targeting.
  • the Eudragit® series E dissolve in the stomach.
  • the Eudragit® series L, L-30D and S are insoluble in stomach and dissolve in the intestine;
  • cellulose derivatives are: ethyl cellulose; reaction mixtures of partial acetate esters of cellulose with phthalic anhydride. The performance can vary based on the degree and type of substitution.
  • Cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) dissolves in pH>6.
  • Aquateric (FMC) is an aqueous based system and is a spray dried CAP psuedolatex with particles ⁇ 1 ⁇ m.
  • Other components in Aquateric can include pluronics, Tweens, and acetylated monoglycerides.
  • Suitable cellulose derivatives include: cellulose acetate trimellitate (Eastman); methylcellulose (Pharmacoat, Methocel); hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose phthalate (HPMCP); hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose succinate (HPMCS); and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate (e.g., AQOAT (Shin Etsu)).
  • HPMCP such as, HP-50, HP-55, HP-555, HP-55F grades are suitable.
  • the performance can vary based on the degree and type of substitution.
  • suitable grades of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate include, but are not limited to, AS-LG (LF), which dissolves at pH 5, AS-MG (MF), which dissolves at pH 5.5, and AS-HG (HF), which dissolves at higher pH.
  • AS-LG LF
  • AS-MG MF
  • AS-HG HF
  • PVAP Poly Vinyl Acetate Phthalate
  • the coating may contain a plasticizer and possibly other coating excipients such as colorants, talc, and/or magnesium stearate, which are well known in the art.
  • Suitable plasticizers include triethyl citrate (Citroflex® 2), triacetin (glyceryl triacetate), acetyl triethyl citrate (Citroflec® A2), Carbowax® 400 (polyethylene glycol 400), diethyl phthalate, tributyl citrate, acetylated monoglycerides, glycerol, fatty acid esters, propylene glycol, and dibutyl phthalate.
  • anionic carboxylic acrylic polymers usually will contain 10-25% by weight of a plasticizer, especially dibutyl phthalate, polyethylene glycol, triethyl citrate and triacetin.
  • a plasticizer especially dibutyl phthalate, polyethylene glycol, triethyl citrate and triacetin.
  • Conventional coating techniques such as spray or pan coating are employed to apply coatings. The coating thickness must be sufficient to ensure that the oral dosage form remains intact until the desired site of topical delivery in the intestinal tract is reached.
  • Colorants, detackifiers, surfactants, antifoaming agents, lubricants may be added to the coatings besides plasticizers to solubilize or disperse the coating material, and to improve coating performance and the coated product.
  • a proliposomal powder dispersion disclosed herein improves the bioavailabity of testosterone.
  • a fasting pharmacokinetic profile of mean plasma concentration of testosterone ranges from 300 ng/dL to 1050 ng/dL (including, 400 ng/dL to 950 ng/dL, 500 ng/dL to 950 ng/dL, and 600 ng/dL to 950 ng/dL) of testosterone five hours after administration under fasting conditions, i.e., ingestion of an oral dosage form described herein comprising 60 mg to 240 mg of testosterone.
  • a fasting pharmacokinetic profile of mean plasma concentration of testosterone is from about 300 ng/dL to about 1050 ng/dL of testosterone five hours after administration under fasting conditions, i.e., ingestion of an oral dosage form described herein comprising 60 mg to 240 mg of testosterone.
  • a fasting pharmacokinetic profile of mean plasma concentration of testosterone ranges from about 300 ng/dL to about 1050 ng/dL (including, about 400 ng/dL to about 950 ng/dL, about 500 ng/dL to about 950 ng/dL, and about 600 ng/dL to about 950 ng/dL) of testosterone five hours after administration under fasting conditions, i.e., ingestion of an oral dosage form described herein comprising from about 60 mg to about 240 mg of testosterone.
  • a fasting pharmacokinetic profile of mean plasma concentration of testosterone is about 350 ng/dL of testosterone five hours after administration under fasting conditions, i.e., ingestion of an oral dosage form described herein comprising about 100 mg to about 260 mg of testosterone.
  • fasting conditions i.e., ingestion of an oral dosage form described herein comprising about 100 mg to about 260 mg of testosterone.
  • results represent as much as a 130 to 150 fold improvement in the mean plasma concentration of testosterone as compared to administration of equal dosages of unformulated testosterone.
  • a dosage form described herein improves the bioavailability of testosterone under non-fasting, i.e., “fed” conditions.
  • the maximum plasma concentration (C max ) is about one half as much as the C max under fasting conditions five hours after administration.
  • the C max of the testosterone metabolite, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is about 70 ng/dL after five hours. In some embodiments, the C max of the testosterone metabolite, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is 70 ng/dL after five hours for a 120 mg dose. In some embodiments, after about 24 hours under fed conditions the plasma concentration of testosterone following the administration of a dosage form disclosed herein is greater than about 350 ng/dL, and the testosterone metabolite, DHT, has a C max of about 40 ng/dL, both of which are above a typical normal ranges of endogenous testosterone and DHT, respectively, in a human.
  • the plasma concentration of testosterone following the administration of a dosage form disclosed herein is 350 ng/dL
  • the testosterone metabolite, DHT5 has a C max of 40 ng/dL, both of which are above a typical normal ranges of endogenous testosterone and DHT, respectively, in a human.
  • the amount of testosterone in the pharmaceutical compositions is about 5 mg to about 1.0 g per dose, 10 mg to about 1.0 g per dose, about 50 mg to about 500 mg per dose. In some embodiments, the amount of testosterone in the pharmaceutical compositions is about 5 mg per dose, 10 mg per dose, about 50 mg per dose, about 100 mg per dose, about 120 mg per dose, about 150 mg per dose, about 180 mg per dose, about 210 mg per dose, about 240 mg per dose, about 270 mg per dose, about 300 mg per dose, about 350 mg per dose, about 400 mg per dose, about 450 mg per dose, about 500 mg per dose, or about 1000 mg per dose. In some embodiments, the amount of testosterone in the pharmaceutical compositions is about 120 mg per dose. In some other embodiments, the amount of testosterone in the pharmaceutical compositions is about 240 mg per dose
  • doses employed for adult human treatment are typically in the range of 50 mg-1000 mg per day. In one aspect, doses employed for adult human treatment are from about 100 mg to about 300 mg per day. In some embodiments, doses employed for adult human treatment are about 120 mg per day. In some embodiments, doses employed for adult human treatment are about 240 mg per day. In one embodiment, the desired dose is conveniently presented in a single dose or in divided doses administered simultaneously (or over a short period of time) or at appropriate intervals, for example as two, three, four or more sub-doses per day.
  • the daily dosages appropriate for testosterone is from about 0.01 to about 10 mg/kg per body weight. In other embodiments, the daily dosage or the amount of active in the dosage form are lower or higher than the ranges indicated herein.
  • the proliposomal powder dispersions and the pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein are administered to an individual in need of testosterone replacement therapy as often as testosterone replacement therapy is needed.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions described herein are administered for prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatments.
  • the compositions are administered to an individual already suffering from a disease or condition, in an amount sufficient to remove all symptoms or at least partially arrest at least one of the symptoms of the disease or condition.
  • amounts effective for this use depend on the severity and course of the disease or condition, previous therapy, the individual's health status, weight, and response to the drugs, and/or the judgment of the treating physician.
  • compositions described herein are administered to an individual susceptible to or otherwise at risk of a particular disease, disorder or condition. Such an amount is defined to be a “prophylactically effective amount or dose.”
  • prophylactically effective amount or dose In this use, the precise amounts also depend on the individual's state of health, weight, and the like. When used in an individual, effective amounts for this use will depend on the severity and course of the disease, disorder or condition, previous therapy, the patient's health status and response to the drugs, and the judgment of the treating physician.
  • administration of compositions or therapies as described herein includes chronic administration.
  • chronic administration includes administration for an extended period of time, including, e.g., throughout the duration of the individual's life in order to ameliorate or otherwise control or limit the symptoms of the individual's disease or condition.
  • chronic administration includes daily administration.
  • administration of the compositions or therapies described herein is given continuously.
  • the dose of drug being administered is temporarily reduced or temporarily suspended for a certain length of time (i.e., a “drug holiday”).
  • the length of the drug holiday varies between 2 days and 1 year, including by way of example only, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 10 days, 12 days, 15 days, 20 days, 28 days, 35 days, 50 days, 70 days, 100 days, 120 days, 150 days, 180 days, 200 days, 250 days, 280 days, 300 days, 320 days, 350 days, and 365 days.
  • the dose reduction during a drug holiday is from 10%-100%, including by way of example only 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, and 100%.
  • a maintenance dose is administered if necessary. Subsequently, in specific embodiments, the dosage or the frequency of administration, or both, is reduced, as a function of the symptoms, to a level at which the improved disease, disorder or condition is retained. In certain embodiments, however, the individual requires intermittent treatment on a long-term basis upon any recurrence of symptoms.
  • the amount of testosterone that corresponds to such an amount varies depending upon factors such as the particular testosterone derivative, disease or condition and its severity, the identity (e.g., weight, sex) of the subject or host in need of treatment, but can nevertheless be determined according to the particular circumstances surrounding the case, including, e.g., the specific agent being administered, the route of administration, the condition being treated, and the subject or host being treated.
  • compositions described herein and, in embodiments where combinational therapy is employed do not have to be administered in the same pharmaceutical composition, and are, because of different physical and chemical characteristics, administered by different routes.
  • the initial administration is made according to established protocols, and then, based upon the observed effects, the dosage, modes of administration and times of administration, further modified.
  • the multiple therapeutic agents are administered concurrently (e.g., simultaneously, essentially simultaneously or within the same treatment protocol) or sequentially, depending upon the nature of the disease, the condition of the patient, and the actual choice of compounds used.
  • the determination of the order of administration, and the number of repetitions of administration of each therapeutic agent during a treatment protocol is based upon evaluation of the disease being treated and the condition of the individual.
  • dosages of the co-administered therapeutic agents vary depending on the type of co-drug employed, on the specific drug employed, on the disease or condition being treated and so forth.
  • the individual therapeutic agents of such combinations are administered either sequentially or simultaneously in separate or combined pharmaceutical formulations.
  • the individual therapeutic agents will be administered simultaneously in a combined pharmaceutical formulation.
  • Appropriate doses of known therapeutic agents will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
  • compositions together with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent(s) or carrier(s).
  • the proliposomal powder dispersions and the pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein are administered in combination with other therapeutic agents that reduce the severity of or eliminate the adverse effects associated with testosterone supplementation.
  • adverse effects of testosterone supplementation include acne and oily skin, increased hematocrit, exacerbation of sleep apnea and acceleration of pre-existing prostate cancer growth in individuals who have undergone androgen deprivation. Another adverse effect may be significant hair loss and/or thinning of the hair.
  • Exogenous testosterone also causes suppression of spermatogenesis and can lead to infertility.
  • the proliposomal powder dispersions and the pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein are administered in combination with other therapeutic agents that modulate testosterone metabolism.
  • the other therapeutic agents reduce testosterone metabolism to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
  • the other therapeutic agents reduce testosterone metabolism to estrogens (e.g. estradiol).
  • the proliposomal powder dispersions and the pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein are administered in combination with a synthetic 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor.
  • 5-Alpha-reductase inhibitors locks DHT, a byproduct of testosterone in the body.
  • 5-Alpha-reductase inhibitors include, but are not limited to, finasteride, alfatradiol, and dutasteride.
  • the proliposomal powder dispersions and the pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein are administered in combination with clomifene.
  • Gonadotropin and testosterone therapy is available in treatment of hypogonadism in men.
  • the treatment strategy depends on the age of patient and the goals of therapy (restore of fertility and/or produce and maintain of virilization).
  • the gonadototropins and GnRH are useful in spermetogenesis stimulation.
  • the proliposomal powder dispersions and the pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein are administered in combination with gonadotropins and/or GnRH.
  • compositions and methods described herein are also used in conjunction with estrogen inhibitors, for example aromatase inhibitors.
  • the proliposomal powder dispersions and the pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein are administered in combination with an aromatase inhibitor or combinations of aromatase inhibitors.
  • aromatase inhibitors include, but are not limited to, aminoglutethimide, testolactone, anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane, vorozole, formestan, fadrozole, 4-hydroxyandrostenedione, 1,4,6-Androstatrien-3,17-dione (ATD), and 4-Androstene-3,6,17-trione (“6-OXO”).
  • compositions and methods described herein are also used in conjunction with other therapeutic reagents that are selected for their particular usefulness against the condition that is being treated.
  • the compositions disclosed herein may be administered in combination with insulin where the conditions is testosterone deficiency associated with diabetes; the composition may be administered in combination with calcium or an osteoporosis medication where the condition to be treated is testosterone deficiency associated with osteoporisis; the compositions may be administered in combination with an HIV/AIDS medication where the condition to be treated is testosterone deficiency associated with HIV/AIDS; the compositions may be administered in combination with an chemotherapy or radiation therapy where the condition to be treated is testosterone deficiency associated with cancer.
  • Exemplary osteoporsis medications include calcium, calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, recombinant parathyroid hormone (e.g., teriparatide), a RANKL inhibitor (e.g., denosumab), a bisphosphonate (e.g., etidronate, clodronate, tiludronate, pamidronate, neridronate, olpadronate, alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate, zoledronate).
  • a RANKL inhibitor e.g., denosumab
  • a bisphosphonate e.g., etidronate, clodronate, tiludronate, pamidronate, neridronate, olpadronate, alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate, zoledronate.
  • HIV/AIDS medications include abacavir; amprenavir; atazanavir; darunavir; delavirdine; didanosine; edurant; efavirenz; emtricitabine; enfuvirtide; etravirine; fosamprenavir; indinavir; lamivudine; lopinavir; maraviroc; nelfinavir; nevirapine; raltegravir; ritonavir; saquinavir; stavudine; tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (DF); tipranavir; zalcitabine; zidovudine.
  • chemotherapeutics include nitrogen mustards such as for example, bendamustine, chlorambucil, chlormethine, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, melphalan, prednimustine, trofosfamide; Alkyl Sulfonates like busulfan, mannosulfan, treosulfan; Ethylene Imines like carboquone, thiotepa, triaziquone; Nitrosoureas like carmustine, fotemustine, lomustine, nimustine, ranimustine, semustine, streptozocin; Epoxides such as for example, etoglucid; Other Alkylating Agents such as for example dacarbazine, mitobronitol, pipobroman, temozolomide; Folic Acid Analogues such as for example methotrexate, permetrexed, pralatrexate, raltitrexed; Purine Analogs such as
  • kits/articles of manufacture are also described herein.
  • Such kits include a carrier, package, or container that is optionally compartmentalized to receive one or more doses of a pharmaceutical composition of testosterone as described herein.
  • the kits provided herein contain packaging materials.
  • Packaging materials for use in packaging pharmaceutical products include, but are not limited to those described in e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,907.
  • Examples of pharmaceutical packaging materials include, but are not limited to, blister packs, bottles, tubes, bags, containers, bottles, and any packaging material suitable for a selected formulation and intended mode of administration and treatment.
  • a wide array of formulations of the compounds and compositions provided herein are contemplated as are a variety of treatments for any disease, disorder, or condition that would benefit by treatment with testosterone replacement therapy.
  • the container(s) include the proliposomal powder dispersions and the pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein alone or in combination with another agent as disclosed herein.
  • kits optionally include an identifying description or label or instructions relating to its use in the methods described herein.
  • a kit typically includes labels listing contents and/or instructions for use, and package inserts with instructions for use. A set of instructions will also typically be included.
  • a label is on or associated with the container.
  • a label is on a container when letters, numbers or other characters forming the label are attached, molded or etched into the container itself; a label is associated with a container when it is present within a receptacle or carrier that also holds the container, e.g., as a package insert.
  • a label is used to indicate that the contents are to be used for a specific therapeutic application. The label also indicates directions for use of the contents, such as in the methods described herein.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions are presented in a pack or dispenser device which contains one or more unit dosage forms containing a compound provided herein.
  • the pack for example, contains metal or plastic foil, such as a blister pack.
  • the pack or dispenser device is accompanied by instructions for administration.
  • the pack or dispenser is also accompanied with a notice associated with the container in form prescribed by a governmental agency regulating the manufacture, use, or sale of pharmaceuticals, which notice is reflective of approval by the agency of the form of the drug for human or veterinary administration. Such notice, for example, is the labeling approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for prescription drugs, or the approved product insert.
  • compositions containing a compound provided herein formulated in a compatible pharmaceutical carrier are also prepared, placed in an appropriate container, and labeled for treatment of an indicated condition.
  • PLF-C Comparative Proliposomal Formulations
  • PLF-C1 PLF-C2, PLF-C3, and PLF-C4 contained testosterone and dimyrsityl phosphatidyl glycerol sodium (DMPG).
  • Table 1 lists the components and amounts of each used to make each of these formulations.
  • DMPG dimyrsityl phosphatidyl glycerol sodium
  • PLF-C2 and PLF-C3 were like that of PLF-C1, except that for PLF-C2, 1.5 g of testosterone and 1.5 g of DMPG were dissolved in 20 ml of the 9:1 ethanol-water solution, and for PLF-C3, 0.5 g testosterone and 1 g DM PG were dissolved in 10 ml of the 9:1 ethanol-water solution.
  • Formulation PLF-C4 was also prepared in the same way as PLF-C1 was prepared, except that 0.5 g of testosterone, and 0.5 g of DMPG were dissolved in 12 ml of an 1:1:0.3 mixture (v/v) of chloroform, ethanol, and water, respectively.
  • the above formulations were each filled into size “00” hard gelatin capsules, and then tested for their dissolution. Only PLF-C1 capsules were enteric coated. Specifically, the PLF-C1 coating material was Eudragit® L 30 D-55. Coating of PLF-C1 capsules was performed by first preparing a dispersion of Eudragit® L 30 D-55. To this dispersion was added amount of triethyl citrate equivalent to 10% of Eudragit® polymer weight to enhance film formation. Each capsule was dipped into the dispersion and then air dried a total of four times. Some of the capsules from formulation PLF-C1 were not coated. These uncoated capsules were also used in dissolution testing along with enteric coated capsules.
  • the PLF-C1 formulation in its free-flowing proliposomal powder form, and a testosterone control solution (a 0.5% (wt/vol) dispersion of testosterone in an HPMC suspension were tested in fed rats after oral administration.
  • the PLF-C1 and testosterone control solutions were prepared by dispersing them in a 0.5% (w/v) hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) suspension.
  • Fed rats were administered 1 ml of pure drug solution (300 mg/Kg body weight dose) and 2.5 ml of PLF-C1 formulation (300 mg/Kg body weight dose) by oral gavage, respectively.
  • Blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 hours of dosing. The samples were stored at 4° C. until centrifuged. Plasma portions of the blood samples were separated from blood by centrifugation at 12,000 rpm and 4° C. for 15 min using a Microfuge® 22R centrifuge (Beckman-Coulter). Plasma samples were stored at ⁇ 20° C. until they were analyzed.
  • HPLC-eluted samples were prepared for MS analysis of testosterone and DHT concentrations. Briefly, the HPLC system used was a Shimadzu CLASS-VP® System. The mobile phase solutions were (A) 0.2% formic acid in water, and (B) 0.2% formic acid in acetonitrile. The column used in the analysis was a 2 ⁇ 10 mm Duragel® G C18 guard cartridge (Peeke Scientific—Novato, Calif.). The injection volume was 25 ⁇ l, the gradient was determined by going from a 5% to a 30% solution of buffer (B) in 0.5 minutes, followed by going from a 30% to a 55% solution of (B) in 2 minutes. The flow rate was 400 ⁇ l/min.
  • Internal standards i.e., calibration standards, quality control (QC) samples and HPLC-eluted plasma samples were prepared for LC/MS/MS analysis by precipitating 50 ⁇ l of each sample with 2 ⁇ volumes of ice cold Internal Standard Solution (acetonitrile containing 50 ng/ml of testosterone 16, 16, 17—d 3 , d 3 -testosterone).
  • DHT dihydrotestosterone
  • the testosterone detection step of the analysis was performed by using an Applied Biosystems/MDS SCIEX API 3000®-equipped with a TurbolonSpray® (Applied Biosystems) electro spray interface (ESI) system
  • ESI electro spray interface
  • the flow of liquid solvent from the analytical column entered the heated nebulizer interface of the MS/MS analyzer.
  • the above-solvent/sample mixture was first converted to vapor in the heated tubing of the interface at 400° C.
  • the analytes (testosterone, DHT, and [D3]-testosterone), contained in the nebulized solvent, were ionized and a positive charge added by the corona discharge needle of the interface, which applies a large voltage to the nebulized solvent/analyte mixture.
  • Quadrapoles 1 and 3 were the mass filters, allowing selection of ions based on their mass to charge ratio (m/z).
  • Quadrapole 2 (Q2) was the collision cell, where ions were fragmented by collision with argon molecules.
  • the CID gas used in this example was argon.
  • the daughter ions generated were passed into quadrapole 3 (Q3), where the daughter ions of testosterone with an m/z value of 96.9, DHT with an m/z value of 255.2, or those of testosterone 16, 16, 17-d 3 (d 3 -testosterone), the internal standard, with an m/z value of 96.9 were selected for, while other ions were screened out.
  • the selected daughter ions were collected by the detector. Quantification is based on peak area ratio of analytes, i.e., testosterone, over the internal standard acquired by selective reaction monitoring (SRM) in positive mode.
  • SRM selective reaction monitoring
  • formulation (PLF-05+Avicel® PH101+Explotab® disintegrant) was prepared by adding Avicel® and Explotab® disintegrant (1%) externally to PLF-05.
  • This formulation was prepared with the objective of increasing the dispersion and there by the dissolution of the proliposomal formulation with the help of super disintegrating agent, Explotab® disintegrant and better dispersability of Avicel® PH101.
  • formulation PLF-C2 containing testosterone:DMPG in 1:1 ratio was taken and dispersed in 5 ml dissolution media first and then dissolution was performed. This was done to compare the dissolution of encapsulated PLF-C2 to dispersed PLF-C2 because, prior to animal dosing, the formulation was dispersed in water.
  • formulation PLF-C6 was prepared by dissolving testosterone in a mixture of ethanol:water (9:1). To the resulting testosterone solution, DMPG and Avicel® PH 101 were added at a ratio of 1:1:2, and dispersed by stirring the mixture overnight until the complete evaporation of the solvent had occurred at room temperature to form a proliposomal powder. To the dried proliposomal formulation, Explotab® disintegrant was added externally and the powder-Explotab® disintegrant mixture was formulated as a capsule. The objective was to see the effect of using dispersed Avicel® PH101 on dissolution of proliposomal formulation.
  • a testosterone proliposomal formulation was lyophilized. Specifically, formulation PLF-05 (500 mg) containing testosterone:DMPG:lactose (1:1:1) was taken and dispersed in 20 ml of water. It was hydrated at 40° C. for 30 min, and then lyophilized for more than 24 hours.
  • the compositions of the variations of PLF-05 that were created by adding various excipients used are listed in Table 3.
  • Testosterone dissolution assays of the foregoing PLF-05 formulations were tested as per the method described in Comparative Example 2.
  • the in vitro release profile of all the DMPG formulations described in Comparative Example 4 are shown in FIG. 5 .
  • formulations containing Avicel® and Explotab® disintegrant gave higher release as compared to others.
  • Proliposomal Formulation (PLF)-1, PLF-2, PLF-3, and PLF-4 were prepared by dissolving testosterone in a 9:1 mixture (v/v) of ethanol and water, followed by the addition of distearoyl phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) and cholesterol at a 9:1 ratio of DSPC to cholesterol (w/w). The resulting dispersion was stirred overnight until complete evaporation of the solvent at room temperature.
  • the composition of these formulations is detailed in Table 5.
  • the powder obtained upon removal of the solvent was passed through an appropriate sieve (mesh #60), transferred to a glass bottle, and stored at room temperature protected from light.
  • Solubility of: a) 10 mg pure testosterone; and b) formulation PLF-2 equivalent to 10 mg testosterone in either 0.5%, 1%, or 2% SLS following sonication for 10 min. was determined.
  • 10 mg of pure testosterone was weighed and dissolved in either 100 ml of 0.5%, 1%, or 2% (w/v) SLS, respectively, in volumetric flasks.
  • An amount of formulation PLF-2 that contained 10 mg of testosterone was weighed, and sample solutions were prepared in a similar way as that described above for the testosterone control. These solutions were subjected for sonication for 10 min in a bath sonicator. The samples were then filtered and diluted suitably in their respective concentrations of SLS.
  • the amounts of soluble testosterone for each concentration of SLS was determined by using the HPLC assay method described in Comparative Example 2. Both the testosterone control and PLF-2 were associated with high testosterone solubility in 1% w/v SLS. See FIG. 8 .
  • the formulations PLF-2 and PLF-4 were prepared according to the method of their preparation described in Example 2. The formulations were then administered orally to male Sprague Dawley® (SD) rats after an overnight fast. Formulation PLF-2 was tested at 300 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, 31 mg/kg, 15.5 mg/kg and 7.75 mg/kg doses of testosterone to body weight. Formulation PLF-4 was administered orally in a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight.
  • Example 4 Male SD rats, which were canulated in the jugular vein and weighed approximately 250 grams were used for the study. Animals were fasted overnight with free access to water. Sampling and analysis was followed as per the method described in paragraphs [063-067] under comparative Example 4. The mean plasma concentration vs time profiles of the formulations that were tested are shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 . The plasma concentrations of testosterone following the oral administration of different test formulations and a control testosterone dispersion were followed over time. Both 300 mg/Kg and 31 mg/Kg (testosterone dose/body weight) control and test formulations were studied.
  • Testosterone/Cholesterol DSPC Proliposomal Formulations that Comprise Avicel® PH 101, Lactose Monohydrate, Magnesium Stearate
  • a base Formulation called PLF-5 was prepared by dissolving 1.5 mg of testosterone in 20 ml of a 9:1 mixture (v/v) of ethanol and water, followed by the addition of 1.35 mg of distearoyl phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) and 0.15 mg of cholesterol, (i.e., a 9:1 ratio of DSPC to cholesterol (w/w)). The resulting dispersion was stirred overnight until complete evaporation of the solvent at room temperature. The powder obtained upon removal of the solvent was passed through an appropriate sieve (mesh #60), transferred to a glass bottle, and stored at room temperature protected from light. The PLF-5 formulation was then further formulated into PLF-5 formulations (a-d), as shown in Table 7, and described below.
  • DSPC distearoyl phosphatidylcholine
  • PLF-5 (a) was prepared in capsule form, and was made with the objective of determining whether Avicel® PH101 and Explotab® disintegrant would increase the dispersability of the formulation during dissolution.
  • PLF-5 (a) was prepared by the external addition (i.e., mixing the excipients and blending them with the Testosterone/Cholesterol DSPC Proliposomal Formulations) of the following ingredients to PLF-5:Avicel® PH 101 at a ratio of 1:2 (w/w); and Explotab® in the amount of 1% (w/w). The formulation mixture was then filled into capsules.
  • PLF-5 (b) was prepared in tablet form, and was made with the objective of determining whether the addition of Avicel® PH101, Explotab®, magnesium (Mg) stearate, and spray-dried lactose monohydrate would increase the dispersability of the formulation during dissolution.
  • PLF-5 (b) was prepared by the external addition of the following ingredients to PLF-5:Avicel® PH 101 at a ratio of 1:2 (w/w); Explotab® in the amount of 1% (w/w); Spray-dried lactose monohydrate in an amount equivalent to 0.04 g per tablet; and Mg stearate in an amount equivalent to 8.75 mg per tablet. The mixture was formulated into an 8.9 mm circular biconvex tablet weighing 350 mg.
  • PLF-5 (c) which contained twice the amount of PLF-5 per dose, than PLF-5 (a) and (b) formulations, was prepared by the external addition of the following ingredients to PLF-5:Avicel® PH 101 at a ratio of 1.5:1 (w/w); Explotab® in the amount of 5% (w/w); and Mg stearate in an amount equivalent to 0.00875 g per tablet.
  • the mixture was formulated into an 8.9 mm circular biconvex tablet weighing 350 mg.
  • PLF (d) was prepared exactly as PLF (c), but it was not tableted.
  • the in vitro testosterone dissolution profiles for the formulations PLF-5 (a-d) are provided in FIG. 12 .
  • Formulations containing Avicel® along with Explotab® disintegrant showed better dissolution profiles.
  • both 1 wt % and 5 wt % Explotab® disintegrant-containing formulations showed similar release profiles.
  • the profiles were determined by using a type II apparatus at 50 rpm in 900 ml of PBS (pH 6.80) to dissolve the formulations. Samples were collected after 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours of dissolution, and were analyzed by the HPLC assay method described in Comparative Example 2.
  • PLF-5 (a) PLF-5 (b) PLF-5 (c) PLF-5 (d) Ingredients Capsule Tablet Tablet Powder PLF-5 1.5 g Testosterone 100 mg 100 mg 200 mg 200 mg 1.35 g DSPC 0.15 g Cholesterol Lactose monohydrate — 45 mg — — spray dried (SD) Avicel ® PH 101 200 mg 200 mg 131 mg 131 mg Explotab ® 3 mg 3.5 mg 17.5 mg 17.5 mg Magnesium stearate — 8.75 mg 8.75 mg 8.75 mg 8.75 mg
  • Testosterone/Cholesterol DSPC Proliposomal Formulations that Comprise Avicel® PH 101/102, Lactose Monohydrate, Mg Stearate, and Pearlitol® 200 SD
  • a base Formulation called PLF-6 was prepared by dissolving 3 mg of testosterone in 40 ml of a 9:1 mixture (v/v) of ethanol and water, followed by the addition of 2.7 mg DSPC and 0.30 mg of cholesterol, (i.e., a 9:1 ratio of DSPC to cholesterol (w/w)). The resulting dispersion was stirred overnight until complete evaporation of the solvent at room temperature. The powder obtained upon removal of the solvent was passed through an appropriate sieve (mesh #60).
  • a second, base formulation called PLF-7 was also prepared for these studies by dissolving 1.2 mg of testosterone in 30 ml of a 9:1 mixture (v/v) of ethanol and water, followed by the addition of 1.08 mg DSPC and 0.12 mg of cholesterol, (i.e., a 9:1 ratio of DSPC to cholesterol (w/w)). The resulting dispersion was stirred overnight until complete evaporation of the solvent at room temperature. The powder obtained upon removal of the solvent was passed through an appropriate sieve (mesh #60).
  • PLF-6 and PLF-7 were further formulated into PLF-6 formulations (a-c) and PLF-7 formulations (d-e), respectively, by the external addition of the respective amounts of Avicel® PH 101 or 102, Explotab®, Mg stearate, Pearlitol® 200 SD, reported in Table 8.
  • PLF-6 (a-c) and PLF-7 (d-e) were compressed into circular, biconvex 650 mg tablets.
  • a ten-station rotary compression machine (Riddhi Pharma machinery Ltd., Ahmedabad, India) was used for preparing the tablets by direct compression.
  • Avicel® PH 102 was used as an excipient for direct compression.
  • Mannitol (Pearlitol® SD 200) was used with the intent of increasing tablet dispersion and thereby dissolution. The dissolution profiles of the tablets were compared with that of capsule formulations.
  • PLF-6 (a) PLF-6 (b) PLF-6 (c) PLF-7 (d) PLF-7 (e) Ingredients Tablet Tablet Tablet Tablet Tablet Tablet Tablet PLF-6 3.0 g 240 mg 240 mg — — Testosterone 2.7 g DSPC 0.3 g Cholesterol PLF-7 1.2 g — — — 360 mg 240 mg Testosterone 1.080 g DSPC 0.12 g Cholesterol Pearlitol ® — 130 mg 65 mg — — 200 SD Avicel ® 388 mg — — — 388 mg PH 101 Avicel ® — 259 mg 323 mg 268 mg — PH 102 Explotab ® 19.50 mg 19.50 mg 19.50 mg 19.50 mg 3 wt % Mg stearate 1.625 mg 1.625 mg 1.625 mg 1.625 mg 1.625 mg 1.625 mg 1.625 mg
  • Capsule formulations PLF-9 (a-e) were prepared by the external addition of Avicel® PH 102 and Explotab® disintegrant, as reported in Table 10, including two formulations were prepared with a minimum amount of Avicel®, both with and without Explotab® disintegrant. Compositions of all the formulations described in this example are listed in Table 10. Dissolution of all these formulations was carried out using a type II apparatus with a capsule sinker in PBS (pH 6.80) medium that did not contain SLS. The objective of these studies was to determine whether the increase in ratio of Avicel® to testosterone would increase the solubility of testosterone from proliposomal formulations.
  • Formulations with a base formulation:Avicel® ratio of 1:1 correlated to greater testosterone release.
  • the other preparations that contained minimum amounts of Avicel® showed less testosterone release due to poor dispersion of the formulations.
  • the compositions of PLF-9 and PLF-2 were the same, except the batch size for PLF-9 was scaled to 5 g, rather than the 3 g batch size of PLF-2.
  • PLF-9 (a) PLF-9 (b) PLF-9 (c) PLF-9 (d) PLF-9 (e) Vcaps ® Vcaps ® Vcaps ® Vcaps ® Vcaps ® size size size Plus size Plus size Ingredients ‘00’ ‘00’ ‘00’ ‘0’ ‘00’ PLF-9 120 mg 120 mg 120 mg 240 mg 240 mg Avicel ® 240 mg 60 mg 120 mg 40 mg 40 mg PH 102 (1:2) (1:0.5) (1:1) (1:0.6) (1:0.6) Explotab ® — — — — 8.5 mg
  • HPMC size ‘0’ capsule formulations PLF-11 (a and b) and PLF-12 (c and d) were prepared by the external addition of Avicel® PH 102 and Explotab® disintegrant, as reported in Table 11 to PLF-10, which was prepared according to the same protocol used to make PLF-2 as described in Example 2. All of these formulations contained minimum amounts of Avicel®, both with and without Explotab® disintegrant.
  • the formulations in Table 11 were filled into Vcaps® Plus hypromellose (HPMC) capsules (Capsugel, Belgium NV) In vitro dissolution studies were carried out using a type II apparatus at 75 rpm.
  • the dissolution media used was: a) PBS with 1% (w/v) SLS; b) PBS with 2% (w/v) SLS; c) PBS with 0.5% (w/v) SLS; and d) PBS with 1% (w/v) SLS.
  • Media containing 1% and 2% (w/v) SLS showed complete drug release within 2 hours.
  • the in vitro dissolution profiles of formulations (a-d) are shown in FIG. 16 .
  • PLF-11 (a) PLF-11 (b) PLF-12 ⁇ PLF-12 (d) Vcaps ® Vcaps ® Vcaps ® Vcaps ® Plus size Plus size Plus size Plus size Plus size Plus size Ingredients ‘0’ ‘0’ ‘0’ ‘0’ PLF-10 240 mg 240 mg 240 mg 240 mg Avicel ® 40 mg 40 mg 40 mg 40 mg PH 102 Explotab ® — — 8.5 mg 8.5 mg
  • the formulations PLF-14 (a) and PLF-15 (b), which are provided in Table 12 were prepared to determine the disintegration times of formulations filled in Vcaps (HPMC) size ‘0’ and Vcaps® Plus (HPMC) size ‘0’ capsules (Capsugel, Belgium NV).
  • Formulation PLF-14 was also prepared to compare disintegration of Vcaps® versus Vcaps® Plus encapsulated formulations. Size ‘0’ capsules were used to assess each capsule type. To perform the comparison study of Vcaps® and Vcaps Plus®, the capsules were filled with only Avicel®.
  • Formulation PLF-15 which contained the base testosterone, DSPC, and cholesterol components of PLF-13, Avicel®, and Explotab® in the amounts reported in Table 12, was used to compare dispersion times in the presence and absence of a sinker.
  • a sinker is a basket like device made of a few turns of platinum wire that is used to prevent capsules from floating.
  • the base formulation, PLF-13 was further formulated to make PLF-16 (a), PLF-17 (b), PLF-18 (c), PLF-19 (d), PLF-20 (e), PLF-21 (f), and PLF (g) by the external addition of various amounts of different diluents Avicel® PH 102, Prosolv® SMCC 90 (Silicified Micro Crystalline Cellulose), and dibasic calcium phosphate (DCP) in combination with disintegrants.
  • the formulations were prepared using the ingredients described in Table 13.
  • PLF-13 contained testosterone, DSPC, and Cholesterol in a ratio of 1:0.9:0.1, which correlated with 60 mg, 54 mg, and 6 mg, respectively, per capsule.
  • PLF-13 was prepared as described in Example 2 for PLF-2, except that the preparation of PLF-13 was scaled to a 10 g batch size.
  • the formulations in Table 13 were filled in Vcaps® size ‘0’ HPMC capsules (Capsugel, Belgium NV).
  • the in vitro dissolution was carried out using type II apparatus at 75 rpm in 1000 ml of PBS pH 6.80 with 0.5% SLS. No sinker was used in these studies.
  • Formulations containing higher amounts of Avicel® PH 102 and DCP showed better release profiles ( FIG. 17 ).
  • a base proliposomal formulation was prepared according to the description of the preparation of PLF-2 in Example 2, except that the batch size was scaled to 15 g.
  • the base PLF-2 formulation was further formulated into PLF-25 by the external addition of excipients as reported in Table 14, and filled into Vcap® HPMC size ‘00’ capsules (Capusulate, Belgium NV).
  • Formulation PLF-24 which is also described in Table 14, served as a placebo control that did not contain testosterone.
  • PLF-24 and PLF-25 were prepared as part of an effort to optimize the delayed release coating (e.g., an enteric coating) process for capsules of the invention.
  • the capsules were coated with an Eudragit® L 30D-55 polymer-based enteric coating composition. Coating of the capsules was accomplished by using a ProCepT® pan coating machine (Zelzate, Belgium) and a Caleva® mini coater air suspension coating machine (Dorset, UK).
  • the Eudragit® L 30D-55 coating composition was used in accordance with its manufacturer's instructions and the coating process parameters are summarized in Tables 15 and 16.
  • the capsules of the testosterone formulation were coated until the capsules experienced a 10.16% weight gain.
  • the placebo formulation was coated until the capsules experienced an 11.06% weight gain.
  • the percentage gain in weight for enteric coated capsules was fixed to 12%, which provided sufficient resistance to tablet dissolution in acidic pH.
  • Eudragit® L 100 55 which is available in powder form, was used for delayed release coating (e.g., an enteric coating).
  • the method used for in vitro dissolution was based on a method described in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) 30, ⁇ 711> Dissolution procedure for delayed release dosage forms (method B) that was modified by adding 0.5% (w/v) SLS for the dissolutions of delayed release dosage forms like enteric coated capsules.
  • the method involves two stages of testing, the Acid stage and the Buffer stage.
  • the Acid stage the dissolution was carried out in 1000 ml of 0.1N HCl, and maintained at 37 ⁇ 0.5° C. for 2 hours. After 2 hours, a sample aliquot was withdrawn to be used in the buffer stage.
  • phosphate buffer that has been previously equilibrated to 37 ⁇ 0.5° C. was used.
  • the acid was drained from the vessel and 1000 ml of pH 6.8 phosphate buffer, prepared by mixing 0.1 N HCl with 0.20 M tribasic sodium phosphate (3:1) and adjusting if necessary with 2 N HCL or 2 N sodium hydroxide, was added to the vessel.
  • the apparatus ran for 4 hours, and sample aliquots were withdrawn at regular time intervals. The samples were analyzed using a suitable analytical technique.
  • This modified method was used to test formulations PLF-24 and PLF-25.
  • the dissolution medium used in the buffer stage was 1000 ml of phosphate buffer solution (PBS) pH 6.80 with 0.5% (w/v) SLS.
  • PLF-24 and PLF-25 were intact in acidic pH for 2 hours.
  • the capsules of active formulation showed complete drug release within 2 hours in PBS with 0.5% (w/v) SLS ( FIG. 18 ).
  • HPLC analysis was carried out using mobile phase containing methanol:water (60:40 v/v). Separation was achieved on a C18; 150 ⁇ 4.6 mm (5 ⁇ m) (Ace) column. The mobile phase flow rate was set at 1.2 ml/min while the column temperature was maintained at 25° C. The total run time was 15 minutes with injection volume of 35 ⁇ l. The drug was detected using a UV detector at absorbance maxima of 246 nm. The retention time of testosterone was found to be 11.5 minutes. The method was able to resolve testosterone and all other excipients. The flow rate was kept high to reduce the run time for each sample to facilitate fast analysis.
  • Base formulations PLF-23 and PLF-28 were further formulated by the external addition of excipients, as described in Table 17, including the manual mixing of PLF-23 with two different grades of microcrystalline cellulose (Prosolv® HD 90 and Prosolv® SMCC 90) to make PLF-26 and PLF-27, respectively.
  • PLF-23 and PLF-28 are compositionally identical to each other and to PLF-2, which is described in Example 2, and contains testosterone, DSPC, and cholesterol in the ratios of 1:0.9:0.1.
  • the method used to prepare PLF-23 and PLF-28 was also the same method that was used to prepare PLF-2.
  • PLF-28 was further formulated into PLF-29 by the external addition of excipients, excluding microcrystalline cellulose, as also described in Table 17.
  • PLF-26 and PLF-27 were filled into Vcaps® HPMC size ‘00’ capsules (Capsulate, Belgium NV), and coated with the delayed release coating polymer, Eudragit® L 30D-55, according to the coating procedure described in Example 13.
  • PLF-29 was also filled into capsules, but unlike PLF-26 and PLF-27, it contained Avicel® PH 102, and remained uncoated. In order to determine the effect of curing on dissolution, PLF-29 capsules were cured by heating the capsules at 40 C in a hot air oven for two hours
  • the method used for in vitro dissolution was based on a method described in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) 30, ⁇ 711> Dissolution procedure for delayed release dosage forms (method B that was modified by adding 0.5% (w/v) SLS for the dissolutions of delayed release dosage forms like enteric coated capsules.
  • the method involves two stages of testing, the Acid stage and the Buffer stage.
  • the Acid stage the dissolution was carried out in 1000 ml of 0.1N HCl, and maintained at 37 ⁇ 0.5° C. for 2 hours. After 2 hours, a sample aliquot was withdrawn to be used in the buffer stage.
  • phosphate buffer that has been previously equilibrated to 37 ⁇ 0.5° C. was used.
  • the acid was drained from the vessel and 1000 ml of pH 6.8 phosphate buffer, prepared by mixing 0.1 N HCl with 0.20 M tribasic sodium phosphate (3:1) and adjusting if necessary with 2 N HCL or 2 N sodium hydroxide, was added to the vessel.
  • the apparatus ran for 4 hours, and sample aliquots were withdrawn at regular time intervals. The samples were analyzed using a suitable analytical technique.
  • the dissolution medium used in the buffer stage was 1000 ml of phosphate buffer solution (PBS) pH 6.80 with 0.5% (w/v) SLS. Testosterone release from the collected samples was determined using a UV spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 246 nm.
  • FIG. 19 shows the in vitro dissolution profiles of formulations (a-c).
  • Testosterone and phospholipids were dissolved in ethanol and the solvent was evaporated using nitrogen gas. The dry powder was passed through #60 mesh screen to produce homogenous particle size distribution. Phospholipids employed in the study are from Inactive Ingredient Guide (FDA).
  • FDA Inactive Ingredient Guide
  • Monolayers of Caco-2 cells were prepared on 4 ⁇ m-pore polycarbonate Transwell® filters by the following method.
  • Caco-2 cells were grown in T-75 flasks at 37° C. in an atmosphere of 5% CO 2 and 95% air using Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM, pH 7.2) with the necessary growth supplements. The medium was changed at least once prior to 90% confluence.
  • the cells were washed with Hank's Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS w/o Ca +2 , Mg +2 ) and trypsinized with 0.25% trypsin in 1 mM EDTA for 5 min. at 37° C.
  • HBSS Hank's Balanced Salt Solution
  • the cells were resuspended in 10 ml of DMEM and processed to minimize aggregation of cells.
  • Five ml of the cell suspension were withdrawn and seeded into 4- ⁇ m pore Transwell® inserts at a density of 7.5 ⁇ 10 cells/ml.
  • Five ml of DMEM was added to the flask to make a 1:1 dilution of the cell suspension to DMEM, and the cells were re-seeded.
  • the cells in the Transwell® inserts were grown for approximately five days and the resistance of the cells was measured every other day until resistance was greater than 100 SI.
  • the DMEM was carefully aspirated and replaced with 1.5 ml HBSS w/Ca +2 , Mg +2 (which has been warmed in the 37° C. water bath) in the donor compartment and 2.5 ml in the receiver compartment using a micro pipette and allowed to equilibrate at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then the HBSS w/Ca +2 , Mg +2 was carefully aspirated from the donor compartment and replaced with 0.5 mg/ml formulation which had been resuspended in HBSS w/Ca +2 , Mg +2 (placed in 37° C. water bath for 30 minutes) prepared the previous day. Each formulation was tested in triplicates.
  • FIG. 20 Transport of testosterone across Caco-2 cells after 5 hrs is shown in FIG. 20 .
  • the transport of testosterone was greater with all fifteen proliposomal formulations compared to control (processed and non-processed testosterone).
  • Formulations prepared with DMPG and DSPC:Chol (9:1) exhibited the maximum transport of testosterone among the fifteen formulations evaluated in this study.
  • the transport of testosterone was 2-fold greater than control (processed and non-processed testosterone). At the end of 5 hr sampling time, the transport had not reached plateau. This suggests the possibility of further enhancement of transport of testosterone beyond 5 hrs.
  • An oral dosage form in the form of an enteric coated capsule was prepared on pilot scale for clinical study.
  • the capsule contained, on a per capsule basis, a pharmaceutical composition having the ingredients listed in Table 20.
  • the oral dosage form was prepared by the following method using the components set out in Table 20.
  • the method of preparing the oral dosage form is appropriate for the ranges indicated in Table 20 for each component provided by the table.
  • the process involved dissolving testosterone in alcohol to get a clear solution.
  • DSPC was added to the drug solution followed by addition of cholesterol to form a dispersion.
  • the solvent was removed by evaporation using a rota evaporator under vacuum. Distillation until a dry mass was obtained.
  • the dried lumps were then passed through sieve #60 and blended with microcrystalline cellulose and sodium starch glycolate.
  • the formulation was filled into size ‘00’ capsules using a semi automated capsule filling machine.
  • the capsules were enteric coated using a methacrylic acid copolymer C.
  • a clinical study was carried out in 34 human subjects with hypogonadism to evaluate testosterone pharmacokinetics of over the course of their 15 day treatment periods with an oral dosage form of testosterone that contained the per-capsule amounts of the components provided in Table 21, and prepared according to the method described in Example 17.
  • Subjects with 300 ng/dL serum testosterone were considered as hypogonadal.
  • the inclusion criteria for all men to participate in the study was to have body mass index (BMI) ⁇ 39 Kg/m 2 , more than 18 years in age and the weight requirement was 55 Kg. All the subjects understood the purpose of the study and signed the informed consent form prior to participating in the study.
  • the subject group was divided into two groups of 17 that were each administered twice-daily (i.e., morning and evening doses) dosages of either 120 mg or 240 mg (i.e., two 120 mg doses administered at the same time) of the formulated testosterone for 15 days.
  • Plasma samples were taken on an hourly basis from the subjects after one full day and at 15 days after the dosing regimen began.
  • FIG. 23 shows the separate averages of the combined hourly plasma testosterone concentrations from subjects on the 120 mg and 240 mg twice daily regimens over the course of the first and fifteenth days of treatment.
  • twice-daily administration of the 240 mg dose of testosterone did not show any linear increase in the plasma concentration of testosterone than that of the twice-daily 120 mg regimen.
  • the 120 mg and 240 mg dosing regimens each achieved average daily plasma testosterone concentrations of greater than 300 ng/dL in 71% of the subjects.
  • the 120 mg and 240 mg dosing regimens achieved average daily plasma testosterone concentrations of greater than 300 ng/dL in 59% and 31% of the subjects, respectively. From day 1 to day 15 of the study, there were decreases in testosterone exposure for the subjects that were administered the 120 mg and 240 mg dosing regimens. The decrease associated with the 240 mg regimen was significant.
  • the average peak plasma concentration (C max ) of testosterone was reached four hours after the administration of either the 120 mg or 240 mg doses, at which point it was 500 ng/dL and greater than 500 ng/dL, respectively. See FIGS. 24 and 25 .
  • the purpose of this study was to evaluate the toxicity and toxicokinetics of an oral dosage form of testosterone that contained the per-capsule amounts of the components provided in Table 21, and prepared according to the method described in Example 17.
  • a placebo, and three different doses of formulated testosterone were administered once daily to beagle dogs for a minimum of 90 consecutive days. More specifically, 16 male beagle dogs were assigned to four treatment groups in the toxicology portion of this study. Animals were dosed orally with capsules providing a target dose level of 0, 15, 75, or 150 mg/kg/day of formulated testosterone for 91 consecutive days. These dose levels are equivalent to o, 120 mg, 600 mg, and 1200 mg dosage forms.
  • mice were euthanized and subjected to a complete gross necropsy. Protocol-specified tissues, including testes, were collected and forwarded to Experimental Pathology Laboratories (EPL), Inc. Tissues from all groups were processed, embedded in paraffin, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The resulting slides were forwarded to Brett Saladino, DVM, Diplomate ACVP of Calvert Laboratories for evaluation by light microscopy.
  • EPL Experimental Pathology Laboratories
  • H&E hematoxylin and eosin
  • Blood samples were also drawn at fixed time intervals and analyzed on days 1, 57 and 91 for 24 hour periods on each of those days. Blood samples were collected from all animals prior to treatment initiation and from study animals on days 29 and 92 via jugular vein puncture. See FIGS. 26 , 27 , and 28 , respectively.

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US20190015334A1 (en) * 2016-01-07 2019-01-17 Western University Of Health Sciences Formulations for treating bladder cancer
US11229602B2 (en) * 2016-01-07 2022-01-25 Western University Of Health Sciences Formulations for treating bladder cancer
US20190248830A1 (en) * 2016-01-08 2019-08-15 Western University Of Health Sciences Proliposomal testosterone undecanoate formulations
US11063464B2 (en) 2016-07-07 2021-07-13 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Apparatus and method for altering wireless charging mode

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